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Three Oaks police report cameras soon operational, discuss staffing and benefits to aid retention
Summary
Chief Carl Krause told the Public Service Committee that Axon body and vehicle cameras will be fully operational in two to four weeks; the committee also discussed recent resignations and options to make pay and benefits more competitive, and asked staff to return with comparative data and recommendations.
Chief Carl Krause reported to the Village of Three Oaks Public Service Committee that the department’s Axon body and vehicle camera systems are expected to be fully operational within two to four weeks and that the item will be removed from future agendas once implemented.
Krause also outlined personnel changes: Officer Jacob Klynstra submitted a resignation from full-time employment but will remain with the department part-time while taking a full-time position in New Buffalo; Officer Ben Mulder has accepted a conditional offer elsewhere with a tentative transition in early February and may remain part-time if permitted. Krause said recruitment efforts are underway and that applications have been received.
Committee member Kramer raised employee retention and benefits as a priority and asked for a focused review. The committee discussed the current benefits package — health insurance (currently covering an employee’s entire family, including children up to age 26), dental, vision, life insurance and a SIMPLE IRA — and explored other options including MERS retirement plan variants (defined benefit versus contribution), health savings accounts and different employer contribution levels for insurance.
Staff noted potential grant support to help defray training costs, with an estimated $10,000 mentioned for training assistance. The committee directed staff to gather comparative data on benefit structures and return with specific options and recommendations.
The meeting also included an update on a reported vandalism incident on Michigan Street (tire slashing); Krause said the sheriff’s department handled the incident, a police report was filed, no suspects or evidence had been identified, and the matter was referred to insurance.
